The effort to recall Josephine County Commissioners Andreas Blech and Chris Barnett has officially entered the public arena. On Monday morning, Jim Goodwin and the Restore Josephine County recall committee, with Eve Arce serving as treasurer, filed paperwork with the County Clerk to initiate the process. With that filing complete, the campaign now moves into its most critical stage: gathering voter signatures to determine whether the issue will appear on the ballot.
Under state law, organizers must collect at least 7,500 valid signatures for each commissioner within the required timeframe. If that threshold is met, Josephine County voters will have the opportunity to decide whether Blech and Barnett should remain in office. Petitioners wasted little time in launching their effort. Signature-gathering tables are expected to appear across the county, beginning as soon as today in front of the Grants Pass Post Office.
The recall effort follows months of growing controversy and frustration surrounding county leadership. Both commissioners, who took office in early 2025, have faced repeated criticism over transparency, financial decisions, and management practices. Critics argue that under their watch, Josephine County has experienced instability, poor governance, and a loss of public confidence.
The petitions outline a series of allegations against each commissioner. For Chris Barnett, the charges are particularly pointed. Petitioners accuse him of supporting a measure that temporarily transferred authority to a single unelected commissioner, a move they claim triggered lawsuits, sudden layoffs, and abrupt departmental shakeups. They also cite Barnett’s approval of a voluntary resignation program that cost the county more than $700,000 in severance payouts, which critics describe as a mismanaged and unnecessary buyout scheme.
Barnett’s business history has also resurfaced as part of the campaign. Earlier this year, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld a $3.2 million judgment against his company for elder financial abuse and breach of contract tied to the purchase of a resort property. While the case was unrelated to county government, petitioners argue the ruling reflects poorly on his integrity and raises questions about his fitness for public service.
Additional charges point to Barnett’s role in canceling the Grants Pass Library District lease agreement, as well as allegations that he later promoted online material opposing the library’s interests. Petitioners also claim he has threatened citizens and members of the press, actions they say constitute attempts to suppress free speech.
The companion petition against Commissioner Andreas Blech emphasizes different but parallel concerns. Petitioners argue that Blech has presided over an administration characterized by poor management, disrespect toward citizens, and a lack of transparency. Critics point to the Board of Commissioners’ recent move to take direct control of public records requests, which opponents say undermines accountability and invites conflicts of interest.
Supporters of the recall maintain that the movement is not driven by partisan politics or isolated grievances but by a broader need to restore trust in county government. They describe a toxic workplace culture, questionable financial management, and an erosion of open government practices as evidence that both commissioners are unfit to continue serving.
For their part, Blech and Barnett have defended their actions as necessary steps in navigating difficult financial and political challenges. Neither commissioner has yet issued a formal response to the recall filing, though both are expected to contest the accusations as the process unfolds.
The coming weeks will reveal whether organizers can muster the organizational strength and public support required to gather more than 7,500 valid signatures for each petition. If successful, Josephine County voters will face a rare recall election that could reshape the composition of the Board of Commissioners. Until then, the filing of paperwork and the appearance of petition tables across the county signal that the debate over county leadership will remain at the forefront of local politics.